Google Pixel Watch 3 Review: Is It Worth the Hype?

The Google Pixel Watch 3 has arrived, sparking excitement among tech enthusiasts and smartwatch aficionados alike. As the latest iteration in Google's wearable technology line, this Android-compatible device promises to elevate the smartwatch experience. With its sleek design, advanced features, and integration with Google's ecosystem, the Pixel Watch 3 aims to make a significant impact on the competitive smartwatch market.

This review delves into the key aspects of the Google Pixel Watch 3 to determine if it lives up to the hype. We'll explore its improved design and display, examine its performance and smart features, and assess its health and fitness tracking capabilities. Additionally, we'll look at the device's battery life, charging options, Google Pixel Watch straps, and overall smartwatch functionality. By the end, we hope you will have a clearer understanding of whether the Google Pixel Watch 3 is worth considering as their next wearable companion.

Design and Display: Bigger and Better

The Google Pixel Watch 3 marks a significant leap forward in design and display technology, offering users a more refined and visually appealing smartwatch experience. This latest iteration introduces several key improvements that address previous limitations and enhance overall usability.

New 45mm Size Option

Google has responded to user demand by introducing a larger 45mm model alongside the original 41mm version. This new size option boasts a 40% larger screen compared to its predecessor, providing users with more real estate for viewing information and interacting with the device. The 45mm Pixel Watch 3 offers a substantial upgrade for those who prefer a larger display or have difficulty reading smaller screens.

For users who still prefer a more compact design, the 41mm model remains available. However, even this smaller version has seen improvements, with 10% more screen space than the Pixel Watch 2. This increase has been achieved by reducing the bezel size by 16%, resulting in a more efficient use of the watch face.

Improved Screen Brightness

One of the most notable enhancements in the Pixel Watch 3 is the significant boost in screen brightness. Both the 41mm and 45mm models now feature Google's advanced Actua displays, which offer a peak brightness of 2,000 nits. This is a substantial improvement over the previous generation's 1,000 nits, making the display twice as bright as before.

This increased brightness has practical benefits, particularly for outdoor use. Users can now easily read their watch face, check notifications, or view workout statistics even in bright sunlight. This improvement addresses a common complaint among smartwatch users and brings the Pixel Watch 3 in line with competitors like the Galaxy Watch 7.

The Pixel Watch 3 also introduces LTPO (Low-Temperature Polycrystalline Oxide) display technology, allowing for dynamic refresh rates ranging from 1Hz to 60Hz. This feature not only contributes to smoother scrolling and interactions but also helps conserve battery life by adjusting the refresh rate based on the content being displayed.

Refined Aesthetics

The Pixel Watch 3 maintains Google's signature circular design with a domed glass face, setting it apart from other smartwatches on the market. This unique aesthetic continues to be a defining feature of the Pixel Watch line, offering a blend of traditional watch styling with modern smartwatch functionality.

The matte black version, in particular, stands out with its wraparound domed black face seamlessly integrated with the matte black body. This design choice creates a sleek, unified appearance that enhances the watch's overall aesthetic appeal.

While the design improvements are significant, it's worth noting that Google has opted for Gorilla Glass 5 instead of more durable materials like sapphire crystal. This choice may raise concerns about the watch's long-term durability, especially considering the lack of a protective buffer around the domed glass display.

In conclusion, the Google Pixel Watch 3's design and display improvements represent a substantial upgrade over its predecessors. The introduction of a larger size option, significantly enhanced brightness, and refined aesthetics all contribute to a more versatile and visually appealing smartwatch. These enhancements demonstrate Google's commitment to addressing user feedback and staying competitive in the rapidly evolving smartwatch market.

Performance and Features: A Smarter Watch

The Google Pixel Watch 3 brings significant improvements in performance and features, making it a smarter and more capable wearable device. With the introduction of Wear OS 5, enhanced Google app integrations, and new health and fitness tools, the Pixel Watch 3 offers a more refined and comprehensive smartwatch experience.

Wear OS 5 Enhancements

Wear OS 5, the latest iteration of Google's wearable operating system, powers the Pixel Watch 3 and brings notable upgrades to the device. While the visual changes may not be immediately apparent, the improvements in performance and battery life are substantial.

One of the most significant enhancements has an impact on battery efficiency. Google has stated that running a marathon with a Wear OS 5 watch consumes 20% less power compared to a device running Wear OS 4. This improvement in power management allows users to enjoy extended battery life without compromising on features or functionality.

The performance boost is also evident in day-to-day use. Apps launch faster on Wear OS 5, resulting in a more responsive and efficient user experience. The operating system now supports different screen sizes, which has led to improved system navigation and a denser app selection screen, making it easier for users to access and manage their applications.

Wear OS 5 also introduces new features that enhance the overall user experience. One such addition is screenshot detection, allowing users to capture and share their watch screen more easily. For app developers, Wear OS 5 brings quality-of-life improvements and new capabilities, enabling them to create more sophisticated and feature-rich applications for the platform.

Google App Integrations

The Pixel Watch 3 takes full advantage of its place within the Google ecosystem, offering tighter integration with various Google services and applications. One area where this integration shines is in smart home control through the Google Home app.

Users can now control a wide range of smart home devices directly from their Pixel Watch 3. This includes air purifiers, smart fans, Android TVs, Google TVs, and more. The control goes beyond simple on/off functions, allowing users to adjust display modes, fan speeds, volumes, and media playback settings for compatible devices.

This enhanced integration eliminates the need to reach for a smartphone every time a user wants to interact with their smart home devices. The convenience of controlling various aspects of a smart home directly from the wrist makes the Pixel Watch 3 a powerful companion for those invested in the Google ecosystem.

New Health and Fitness Tools

The Pixel Watch 3 introduces a suite of new health and fitness tools that leverage advanced sensors and machine learning algorithms to provide users with more comprehensive insights into their well-being and performance.

One of the standout features is the improved Health Services, which brings detailed metrics for runners and more precise health and fitness tracking data. The watch now supports additional data tracking, including ground contact time, stride length, vertical oscillation, and vertical ratio. This information can be shared with fitness apps through the Health Connect app, even while running in the background, and users can access their entire workout history.

For runners, the Pixel Watch 3 offers a range of features to enhance training and performance. The new Workout Builder allows users to create custom runs with specific goals for distance, time, pace, or heart rate zones. During runs, the watch provides real-time guidance through audio and haptic cues, alerting users about upcoming sprints, pace maintenance, and cool-down periods.

The watch also introduces advanced running form analysis, using motion sensors and machine learning to provide insights on gait and help users improve their running technique and avoid injuries. After a run, users can access a detailed breakdown of their performance in the Fitbit app, including metrics such as cadence, ground contact balance, and vertical ratio.

To help users balance training and recovery, the Pixel Watch 3 introduces new tools such as Daily Readiness, Cardio Load, and Target Load. These features analyse recovery biometrics, track heart exertion, and provide personalised training targets, helping users optimise their fitness routines while avoiding overtraining.

With these enhancements in performance, Google app integrations, and health and fitness tools, the Pixel Watch 3 positions itself as a formidable competitor in the smartwatch market, offering a comprehensive and refined wearable experience.

Health and Fitness Tracking: Running the Show

The Google Pixel Watch 3 has taken significant strides in health and fitness tracking, particularly in its running features. This latest iteration offers a comprehensive suite of tools designed to enhance the user's running experience and overall fitness journey.

Advanced Running Metrics

The Pixel Watch 3 boasts Google's most accurate heart rate sensor yet, specifically tuned to deliver precise running data. It takes into account arm movement and ground contact time, providing users with a more detailed analysis of their performance. The watch now offers new running form metrics, including stride length, step cadence, and vertical ratio, alongside standard workout statistics such as calories burned, distance covered, pace, and elevation gain.

One of the standout features is the Workout Builder, which allows users to create custom runs tailored to their specific goals. Whether training for a faster half-marathon or preparing for a first 5K, runners can set targets for distance, time, pace, or heart rate zones. The watch acts as a running companion, providing real-time guidance through haptic feedback and audio cues. It alerts users when their warm-up is complete, if they're off pace, or when it's time for the next interval in their routine.

After completing a run, the Pixel Watch 3 offers a comprehensive analysis of the user's form. Using advanced motion sensing combined with machine learning, it provides insights into cadence, stride length and height, and ground contact time. This data helps runners improve their technique and track their progress over time.

Cardio Load and Target Load

The Pixel Watch 3 introduces two new metrics to help users optimise their training: Cardio Load and Target Load. Cardio Load tracks the heart's exertion and intensity during activities and throughout the day. It provides insights into whether the user is over- or under-training, maintaining, or improving their fitness level.

Target Load, on the other hand, offers a personalised training target each morning. It takes into account recent cardio load and readiness, guiding users to improve their fitness while balancing recovery. This feature requires 14 consecutive nights of wear before it becomes available, ensuring it has sufficient data to provide accurate recommendations.

The watch also introduces a new Daily Readiness Score, which is now free for all users. This score uses an improved algorithm that tracks key recovery biometrics such as resting heart rate, heart rate variability (HRV), and recent sleep patterns. It provides a comprehensive picture of how prepared the body is for training each day.

Sleep Tracking Improvements

While there aren't significant new sleep-tracking features, the Pixel Watch 3 has introduced an auto bedtime mode. This feature automatically detects when the user falls asleep, initiating an optimised UI that conserves battery by disabling the always-on display and snoozing notifications. Upon waking, the watch returns to its normal settings.

The daily sleep report remains comprehensive, providing details on total sleep time, various sleep stages, heart rate, variations in blood oxygen levels, and restlessness. Users receive a sleep score ranging from one to 100, offering a quick overview of their sleep quality.

A new addition is the Morning Brief, delivered proactively on the user's wrist upon waking. This feature provides a daily digest that includes sleep data, readiness score, target cardio load, and progress towards weekly exercise goals. It also includes current local weather conditions, helping users plan their day effectively.

The Google Pixel Watch 3 has clearly positioned itself as a powerful tool for fitness enthusiasts, particularly runners. Its advanced metrics, personalised guidance, and comprehensive health tracking features demonstrate Google's commitment to creating a smartwatch that goes beyond basic functionality, offering users a holistic approach to their health and fitness journey.

Battery Life and Charging: A Welcome Upgrade

The Google Pixel Watch 3 brings significant improvements in battery life and charging capabilities, addressing one of the main concerns users had with previous models. These enhancements make the latest iteration a more reliable and convenient wearable device for daily use.

Extended Battery Life

The Pixel Watch 3 comes in two sizes, each with its own battery capacity. The 41mm model features a 307 mAh battery, while the larger 45mm version boasts a 420 mAh battery, representing a 35% increase over its predecessor. Both models offer up to 24 hours of battery life with the always-on display feature activated, which is a substantial improvement over previous versions.

For users who need even more longevity, the Pixel Watch 3 introduces an enhanced Battery Saver mode. This mode extends the battery life to up to 36 hours on a single charge, without compromising essential health and fitness tracking or safety features. The Battery Saver mode automatically activates when the watch reaches 15% battery life, ensuring users don't unexpectedly run out of power. It also turns off automatically when the battery charges back up to 25%, seamlessly returning the watch to its full functionality.

Faster Charging Speeds

Charging speed has seen a significant upgrade in the Pixel Watch 3. The 41mm model now charges 20% faster than its predecessor, saving users up to 15 minutes when fully charging the device. Both models utilise a USB-C Fast Charging Cable with magnetic pins that snap securely into place, ensuring a stable charging connexion.

The charging speeds for both models are impressive:

• 41mm model: 50% in 24 minutes, 80% in 35 minutes, and 100% in 60 minutes
• 45mm model: 50% in 28 minutes, 80% in 50 minutes, and 100% in 80 minutes

These charging times are based on tests conducted with fully drained batteries and may vary depending on factors such as battery age and ambient temperature.

Power Management Features

The Pixel Watch 3 incorporates several power management features to help users maximise battery life:

1. Efficient Display Technology: The watch uses LTPO (Low-Temperature Polycrystalline Oxide) display technology, allowing for dynamic refresh rates ranging from 1Hz to 60Hz. This feature contributes to smoother interactions while conserving battery life.
2. Wear OS 5 Optimisation: The latest version of Wear OS brings significant improvements in power efficiency. For instance, running a marathon with Wear OS 5 consumes 20% less power compared to a device running Wear OS 4.
3. Customisable Settings: Users can adjust various settings to extend battery life, such as turning off the always-on display, reducing the screen timeout period, and enabling Bedtime mode for overnight use.
4. Intelligent Connectivity: For LTE models, users can set Mobile Mode to Automatic or Off to reduce battery drain when cellular connectivity isn't needed.
5. Location Accuracy: Enabling Google Location Accuracy provides the most power-efficient method for obtaining location information.

It's important to note that actual battery life may vary depending on usage patterns, enabled features, and environmental factors. The Pixel Watch 3's battery performance is based on testing conducted with pre-production hardware and software, using default settings and a median user battery usage profile.

With these improvements in battery life, charging speed, and power management, the Google Pixel Watch 3 offers a more reliable and user-friendly experience, addressing one of the key limitations of its predecessors and positioning itself as a strong competitor in the smartwatch market.

Smartwatch Capabilities: Beyond the Basics

The Google Pixel Watch 3 has taken significant strides in enhancing its capabilities, offering users a more integrated and comprehensive smartwatch experience. From seamless ecosystem integration to advanced safety features, the Pixel Watch 3 has positioned itself as a formidable competitor in the smartwatch market.

Google Ecosystem Integration

The Pixel Watch 3 shines in its integration with Google's ecosystem, particularly for those invested in smart home technology. The updated Google Home app (v2.74.65.4) on the watch introduces several new features that make controlling smart home devices more convenient than ever.

Users can now switch between Home and Away modes directly from their wrist, triggering various automations without the need to reach for their phone. This functionality proves especially useful for those with multiple routines set around these modes.

The watch also offers enhanced control over a wide range of smart devices. Users can now manage air purifiers, smart fans, Android TVs, and Google TVs directly from their Pixel Watch 3. This control extends beyond simple on/off functions, allowing adjustments to display modes, fan speeds, volumes, and media playback settings.

For Nest Doorbell owners, the Pixel Watch 3 enables them to see when someone rings the doorbell and even communicate with visitors at the door. This feature eliminates the need to pull out a smartphone for such interactions. Additionally, users can turn security cameras on and off directly from the watch, although live streaming is not available for non-Nest devices.

TV owners benefit from a dedicated tile on the watch face, providing quick access to TV settings without navigating through the Google Home app. This tile offers volume control, a remote with D-pad and select buttons, and a Now Playing screen for media control.

Further customization

Much like the previous models released in the Google Pixel Watch series of smartwatches, the Google Pixel Watch 3 has a lot of options when it comes to straps, cases and screen protectors. This allows for further customization of the look and feel of the watch, especially with straps for Google Pixel Watch which can be changed depending on activity or lifestyle in general. The cases and screen protectors allow the user to customize the level of protection they need, which is highly dependent on how the watch is used. 

Conclusion: Is It Worth the Hype?

The Google Pixel Watch 3 has made significant strides in the smartwatch arena, offering a compelling blend of style, functionality, and performance. Its improved design, enhanced health tracking capabilities, and seamless integration with the Google ecosystem have a considerable impact on the user experience. The introduction of advanced running metrics, smart home controls, and extended battery life addresses key user needs and puts the device in a strong position to compete with market leaders.

To wrap up, the Pixel Watch 3 represents a notable step forward for Google in the wearable tech space. While there's still room to grow, particularly in areas like third-party app support, the device offers a well-rounded package for Android users looking to enhance their digital lifestyle. As smartwatches continue to evolve, the Pixel Watch 3 sets a new benchmark for what users can expect from a Google-powered wearable.